Meghana received her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, India and master’s in Stem cell technology and regenerative medicine from the University of Nottingham, UK. Her research interests are in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine with a focus on fabrication of artificial organs/microenvironment. 

Lea Miller is a Master’s student in Bioengineering at the University of Michigan–Dearborn. Her thesis research investigates sex-based differences in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by characterizing native and decellularized lung extracellular matrix (ECM) and studying how ECM composition and mechanics influence fibroblast mechanotransduction.

In addition to her research, Lea serves as a Graduate Student Instructor and teaching assistant supporting courses in Mechanotransduction (BENG 480/580), Biomaterials BENG 375), and Engineering Materials Recitation (ENGR 250). She is also the President of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) chapter at UM-Dearborn.

Her broader interests include mechanobiology, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

Alejandro Hinojosa is a bioengineering Master's student with interests in cell-matrix interactions and regenerative engineering.

His current project involves investigating sex-based differences in the responses of pulmonary fibroblasts undergoing multiaxial tension through a custom-built bioreactor. When he's not fighting with the project 3D printer, he can be found reading whatever he can get his hands on or getting sucked into a newfound interest. He is part of the Biomedical engineering, society (BMES), and part of Tau Beta Pi Michigan Iota. After graduation, he intends to continue his research efforts by pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering.

Batoul Chalhoub is a senior at the University of Michigan-Dearborn double majoring in biomedical and mechanical engineering. Her research focuses on uncovering sex-based differences in pulmonary fibrosis, and her recent project earned her 2nd place at the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Symposium.

When she’s not arguing with the confocal microscope in the lab, she enjoys going on walks and reading books. She is also an active member of the Biomedical Engineering Society on campus and enjoys being part of outreach events!

After graduation, she intends to pursue a PhD in bioengineering with the hopes of becoming a college professor.

Likhitha Sree Galam is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Her thesis focuses on the mechanical and biological characterization of crosslinked decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogels, where she investigates how crosslinking strategies influence material properties and cellular responses.

She is particularly interested in research that bridges fundamental science with real-world applications. In the long term, Likhitha aims to continue her research journey by pursuing a PhD and contributing to advancements in bioengineering. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading fiction and journaling.

Caymen is a new faculty at the University of Michigan Dearborn in the Mechanical Engineering Department - Bioengineering program. She received her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Oakland University, master's and PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of Michigan, and she completed her doctoral work at The Ohio State University. She enjoys most forms of exercise, trying new foods, tea, creating art, anything colorful, and learning new things. 

Sydney White is a senior dual major studying Bioengineering and Mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan - Dearborn.

Her previous work experience is primarily industry with a focus in Quality Engineering from 2023-current. Sydney’s interest in the laboratory will be focused on optimizing decellularization protocol to obtain minimal residual DNA in porcine lung tissue and characterizing dECM scaffold in males versus females lung tissue to study the difference in ECM protein.

Sydney is a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), and the Women’s Cross country team and U of M Dearborn.

After graduation she intends to join the work force and hopes to work for a bioengineering company designing and implementing prosthetics.

Nicole is a senior majoring in bioengineering at the University of Michigan - Dearborn. With great interest in biomaterials and tissue engineering, Nicole plans on pursuing a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering. She is also Vice President of the Michigan Iota chapter of Tau Beta Pi and an active member of the Society of Women Engineers. Outside of UM-Dearborn, Nicole enjoys reading, playing golf and tennis, and spending time with her dogs. 

Perla is a first-year Bioengineering master's student with a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences. She aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering. Her fascination with the complexities of cellular processes and the vastness of outer space demonstrates her appreciation for both micro and macro aspects of scientific inquiry. This is why, in her free time, she enjoys building and launching rockets. 

Rosa Carapia is a senior Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering undergraduate student. She is also part of the Society of Women in Engineering (SWE). Her previous work experience is in test engineering with lithium-ion batteries. Her current work in the laboratory has to do with imaging 2D and 3D cell culture to explore possible sex-based differences in cellular responses of pulmonary fibroblasts. After graduation, she intends to go into industry. Although she’s not sure exactly what field she wants to go into, she’s passionate about learning and looks forward to new opportunities to do so.

Dawna is a senior at the University of Michigan - Dearborn, pursuing a dual degree in Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering. She is currently working under Dr. Novak in an independent research study with the Novak Lab. Upon graduation, she is excited to pursue new opportunities at Roche Diagnostics, and apply the knowledge that she has gained to the world around her. 

Ariana is a senior at UM-Dearborn pursuing a dual degree in bioengineering and mechanical engineering. She currently works as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Novak's lab and has previously completed two internships in the automotive industry. Ariana is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and the Biomedical Engineering Society on campus, and also studied at the University of Applied Sciences in Ulm, Germany during the fall 2022 semester.